Jennifer Capriati's amazing year will get even better on Monday when she replaces Martina Hingis as the number one woman tennis player in the world. Hingis needed to make the final of the Filderstadt tournament in Germany to retain the top spot but has had to withdraw with an ankle injury. The withdrawal has paved the way for Capriati to attain the number one status for the first time in her career.
"It's like a dream, I'm speechless. When I retire, I will be able to say to myself that I was once the number one. Even if it's just for one day, it's great," said the American. "It's a bit sad, but injuries are part of the sport. I have been injured too," she added.
Hingis injured herself in her semi-final contest with Lindsay Davenport after she fell and twisted her ankle. The Swiss star limped on and tried to resume playing but was eventually forced to retire. Hingis had topped the rankings for 73 consecutive weeks since May last year and has spent a total of 209 weeks at number one.
Capriati's elevation to the number one spot caps a fantastic year for the 25-year-old after her triumphs at the Australian Open and at Roland Garros earlier in the year.
Filed by Tom Grealis
